Sunday, August 24, 2008

Tri-State Warbird Museum FG-1D Corsair Restoration

One of the most interesting displays at the Tri-State Warbird Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio, is the Corsair restoration project based upon Goodyear built FG-1D BuNo. 92132. Now registered N3466G this Corsair, which was built in Akron, Ohio, has spent most of its life in storage. The FG did not see combat and was retained in the U.S. Post-war it was on display with the Air Museum at various California locations. In the 1970s it was sold to David Tallichet and became a television star. After being brought back to airworthy shape, it was flown for the TV show "Baa Baa Black Sheep." Once filming wrapped up, the Corsair was placed in storage first in California, and then in Illinois. A few years ago the project was placed on the market and the aircraft was purchased by the Tri-State Warbird Museum. Since that time the airplane has been under a slow but methodical restoration back to airworthy condition. As this Corsair has not been previously restored in civilian life, and as it is a complete aircraft and not a wreak, it is a unique time capsule and will one day look stunning when it takes to the air.

Restoration has focused on the wings and the tail section. The center section is on display in the Museum in its unrestored state.

About Me

An expat Canadian now living in Seattle, Jim builds RCAF, RCN, US Navy, and Commonwealth aircraft in 1/72 scale. Jim is an avid reader and a sometimes writer, a fan of rock, folk, and jam bands, and a private pilot. When he’s not exploring one of the many museums, parks, and libraries of Puget Sound with his daughter, Jim is a practicing attorney.